Thousands of Leon County grandparents have lovingly taken on the role of raising their grandchildren. This new and unexpected role is often overwhelming and socially isolating. But it can be made easier when sharing experiences and coping tools with others in the same situation.

The Grandparents as Parents program provides support groups, educational seminars, legal services, health screenings, and access to community agencies; but GaP also offers picnics, parties and field trips for the whole grand-family.

Out-of-town day-long field trips are a unique way to expose these families to new experiences while strengthening family bonds. In addition, both grandparents and grandchildren often develop new friendships. Grandchildren, in addition to grandparents, in these grand-families need the support and camaraderie of others experiencing the same lifestyle.

Through a generous grant from the St. John’s Episcopal Church’s Christmas Market, 56 people (both grandparents and grandchildren) took a fun and educational trip to the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park in Homosassa on May 19.

Martha Beverly, her grandson, Brenda Smith and Genice Harris enjoy fun and friendship on a GaP Field Trip.(Photo: Special to the Democrat)

GaP grand-families enjoyed a boat tour into the park followed by a delicious picnic lunch on the banks of the Homosassa River. Next, we visited a variety of ranger-led programs and animals in open air enclosures.

Most of the children were amazed to see a “real” hippopotamus and marveled at his size. Lu, one of the oldest hippos at 60 years old, was the first live hippopotamus some had ever seen. Visits to the manatees and alligators were also favorites. After a full day of learning about some new animals and some old favorites, the group stopped for a great dinner at a barbecue restaurant on the way back to Tallahassee.

The GaP trip to Homosassa Springs was a memorable one that will be treasured by many. In addition to learning new things, many participants made new friends.

In particular, two boys are now looking forward to summer camp after learning that their new friend from the GaP trip will also be there. Adventures like GaP field trips contribute to stronger relationships for both generations in these grand-families.

GaP families pose in front of Homosassa Springs entrance.(Photo: Special to the Democrat)

GaP is a program of the Tallahassee Senior Center & Foundation (www.TallahasseeSeniorFoundation) funded by the Leon County Commission, grants and donations. For more information, call Karen Boebinger at 850-891-4027 or email Karen.Boebinger@talgov.com.

The mission of Tallahassee Senior Center is to offer programs, activities and opportunities designed to encourage active living, optimal aging and social fitness for independent adults. The Tallahassee Senior Center is at 1400 N. Monroe St. and is operated and maintained by the City of Tallahassee's Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department.

For more information on its wide variety of programs, classes and events, please call 891-4000 or visit the City's website at Talgov.com/seniors.

Karen Boebinger is the GaP Coordinator at the Tallahassee Senior Center & Foundation.